1400 km away from Buenos Aires

Duration:

3 days + journey

The case of these two outstanding sites declared Natural World Heritage: Ischigualasto Provincial Park, better known as Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and Talampaya National Park, is extraordinary. They constitute a unique place, one of the most important paleontologic sites worldwide due to its abundance of fossils remains.

Paleontologists have recently discovered new fossils dating from Triassic period (when the dinosaurs appeared). One of the most outstanding specimens found in Talampaya is Lagosuchus Talampayensis that lived in this place 250 millions of years ago, at the beginning of that period, and represents one of the first dinosaurs inhabited the Earth.

The natural formations of these parks, the amazing multi-shaped layers in its high red walls, are a result of erosive processes. Wind, rain and time molded different shapes making up an environment full of mysticism.

With its layers of sediments, sandstones, rock formations, Talampaya tells us the story of the geological evolution that took place in the Earth. It is the chance to know the origin of life in our planet.

And not only geological evolution trace is found. There is also an important archaeological record in Talampaya: figures and engravings found on the rocks give evidence of human occupation dating between the years 120 and 1180. Opencast, on caves and shelters that were used as houses, storage as well as burial sites, lots of zoomorphic and anthropomorphic engravings and abstract geometrical motifs are displayed.Beauty, traces of the past, magic and energy make this place a great adventure to experience!

Program:

Day 1 (friday 8/12) Departure at around 7 pm. Bus or private shuttle.

Day 2 Arrival before noon to Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Valle de la Luna). Tour. Lunch. Ascent to Cerro Morado with amazing views to the Park, trekking. After, if we have time, we will visit the paleontologic museum. Before it gets dark, we will go to Talampaya to camp and then we will continue to Campanillo for those that prefer stay overnight at an hosteria (small hotel), located 20 km away from the Park. Dinner.

Day 3 Breakfast and meeting at Talampaya National Park. Guided trekking in Quebrada Don Eduardo, the dunes and adjacent gullies. Ascent to one of the highest points at the top of the Quebrada. Lunch. The way back is through the great Canyon of Talampaya. Then, we will be able to choose optional activities (extra): mountain bike, circuit 1 to Catedral and Circuit 2 to Los Cajones, and several options of trekking. Back to the place where we started the excursion and camp (or Hosteria). Night trekking (round Talampaya for camping option and Pagancillo for Hosteria option). Dinner.

Day 4 Breakfast at around 7.30 am. Guided excursions by vans to Arco Iris or Ciudad Perdida (depending on availability and group`s choice), natural, marvelous formations eroded through the years. We will get close in double traction vehicles to the most desert and virgin place. Once we get there, we will start an attractive trekking that will last 3 1/2 hours. Then we will get back for lunch and return to Buenos Aires.

Day 5 (tuesday). Arrival in Buenos Aires City at 7 pm. End of our services.

assignmentNote:

Bedrooms at the hotels are private. They can be double, triple, etc. Bathroom is private in some rooms and shared in others. Ask for availability. First people in booking will have priority in the rooms they get.

speaker_notesIncluded Services:

Semi sleeper bus or charter flight from Buenos Aires and back, local transfers, accommodation in camping or hostel, all meals from lunch on Day 2 to lunch on Day 4, all excursions in the itinerary, items security-enabled local guides, coordination during the trip, ongoing advice.